BMW GS Safari suffers setbacks in South Australia but ultimately ends on a positive note

South Australia was the focus of GS Safari 2011 with riders excited about the opportunity of riding tracks with the comforting safety net of appropriate back-up from BMW via tested routes swept by organisers at the end of each stage.

BMW GS Safari suffers setbacks in South Australia but ultimately ends on a positive note

South Australia was the focus of GS Safari 2011 with riders excited about the opportunity of riding tracks with the comforting safety net of appropriate back-up from BMW via tested routes swept by organisers at the end of each stage.

One rider mentioned that despite many years on enduro bikes he had never ventured west of Dubbo and enjoyed the opportunity to experience the Flinders Ranges and ride Australian off-road icons such as the Oodnadatta Track.

Many riders had taken up the option of completing a two-day practical off-road riding instruction course conducted over the weekend immediately prior to the event at the GS Safari start point, Broken Hill.

Riders leaving Broken Hill on Monday morning had two routes to choose from: a ‘hard’ route that included some sand sections and an ‘easy’ route for less experienced riders, or for those not seeking as much of a challenge.

RFDS at Marree.

Pre ride briefings counselled riders that the harder option included some sand and that only riders with a reasonable amount of off-road experience should attempt it. Despite advice, many riders undertook the harder route and found it tough going, while other riders with plenty of experience and a higher skill level found the terrain not challenging enough.

Highlighting the difficulty in setting a route aiming to cater for such a wide variety of skill levels.

The day-one route turned off the highway after crossing into South Australia and ventured across two large stations peppered with a variety of track conditions. Lots of flowing double-track along with some bulldust ruts and some sand combining plenty of variation before lunch and a fuel stop at Curnamona Station before heading towards the Flinders Ranges towards Blinman on major gravel roads.

The easier option had participants cross the South Australian border to Yunta on the Barrier Hwy before heading north on the main gravel road to the lunch stop before continuing on to Blinman with the hard option crew.

GS Safari - Between Parahilna and Marree.

The second day saw riders enjoy the surrounds of Blinman including Brachina Gorge, which some participants remarked as being almost Jurassic Park like, before continuing on Bunyeroo Road taking in vantage points over Wilpena Pound Resort before snaking their way back to Blinman for the night via a smooth section of twisty tarmac before more dirt roads back to camp.

Many riders took advantage of a relatively easy third day of the trek to take time out for a scenic flight over Lake Eyre. The flights operated out of Marree and took in famous landmarks such as Campbell’s Point. The site of Donald Campbell’s famous 1964 world land speed record with an average of 403.1mph (648.73km/h) with a peak of over 440mph (710km/h).

The 4250hp Bluebird CN7 was powered by a turbine engine but unlike most modern speed record holders the drive was made via all four wheels rather than by jet propulsion. Lake Eyre also hosts the site of the lowest point in Australia; a full 15 metres below sea level.

After Marree riders headed to Roxby Downs via the Oodnadatta Track. Due to a number of incidents that required RFDS evacuation on the opening two days of the event organisers chose to delete the remaining off-road sections of the course and instead make a beeline for Streaky Bay’s Thursday night festivities via almost 700km of tarmac in fine but windy conditions.

The final day saw riders make their way to Port Lincoln for the post event dinner via Venus Bay, Elliston and Coffin Bay on the only day of the event that saw overcast conditions as the majority of the event had seen fine weather.

A Mildura participant summed up the event quite nicely.

“The information BMW provided by email prior to the event and then at the pre-event and daily briefings was clear and informative providing me with enough detail to make an informed decision on which route I would take from the options offered and what safety equipment I should take."

Departing Parachilna.

"On the first day I chose the route you determined to be the ‘Hard Option’, and found it was within my ability and reaffirmed to me that the 1200 GS is an amazing motorcycle able to be used in many conditions and on many surfaces."

“It was clear that some of the participants had not prepared themselves physically for the event and had perhaps underestimated the level of physical fitness required; a lack of physical fitness was probably a contributing factor in the injuries sustained by some choosing the ‘Hard Option’, but ultimately we are all adults and have to make our own choices in life."

"In emails prior to the event it was made clear of the equipment and preparation required however it was obvious there were some who chose to ignore advice, which again is a decision for each individual."

“It is my opinion that as a motorcyclist, I took the information provided and made an informed judgement about what I would do on day one. The sandy conditions we encountered on the track was as I expected based on the briefing and only caused to be a problem to me when I had to stop due to a motorcycle lying on the track after a rider had fallen. "

“I wish to thank BMW for conducting this social event where I have been able to meet many new and interesting people, made new friends, and enjoy a challenging and exciting week, albeit a little sobering with the unfortunate loss of one of our number. I hope the event continues well into the future and is not negatively affected by some of the injuries that occurred in this event. We all live with risk and we just need to be aware of it.”

My motto is; ‘Life is for having fun.’ Thanks to your organisation, I had a lot of it last week and I hope to see you at the next BMW GS Safari.”

The Incidents

Highlighting the hazardous nature of adventure riding, some riders failed to make the event at all, after crashing on their way to the Broken Hill start point. One such rider was Sydney IT Project Manager, Pete Reisner.

An experienced rider and already an owner of both a sportsbike and dual-purpose machine, Mr Reisner had ordered a new BMW F800GS for the event but after the dealer failed to meet the expected delivery date they offered him the use of their demonstrator so he could still join GS Safari.

After hitting a patch of bulldust near White Cliffs (NSW) the 48-year-old lost control of the machine and was airlifted to RAH where he underwent surgery over the weekend on his clavicle, which was broken in three places. Still in good spirits despite also breaking his scapula, nine ribs and suffering from a punctured lung, Mr Reisner is looking forward to eventually being able to take delivery of his new machine and remains most annoyed at missing out on GS Safari.

His attitude is representative of the attitude amongst all participants who know only too well the risks of the past time they love so much but would have it no other way.

The first incident was the worst in the event’s history, with an experienced 48-year-old rider coming down only hours into the event; he was transferred by ambulance to Broken Hill Hospital before being moved to Royal Adelaide Hospital where he sadly succumbed to his injuries and passed away. SA Police Major Crash Investigation Unit investigated the events surrounding the fatality. A report is being prepared for the Coroner who will then decide whether the matter will become the subject of a coronial investigation.

Another two people were later evacuated to RAH by the Royal Flying Doctor Service with various injuries early the following morning from Mannahill to Adelaide, with another two riders requiring evacuation from Peterborough later that same morning. Another RFDS medical evacuation was required from Blinman, later the same day.

SA Police were extremely concerned at the series of accidents and potential ongoing risks to participants and contacted event organisers to dissuade them from continuing the event on Wednesday morning as riders were about to depart Marree for the Oodnadatta Track.

After discussions highlighted problems the sudden cancellation could bring about - such as riders continuing with no support, and the hazards that 200 riders then heading off on various routes of their own could bring, it was mutually agreed that the event would continue on a modified route. After traversing the Oodnadatta Track organisers deleted all off-road parts of the course.

After overnight stops in Roxy Downs and Streak Bay the event continued on a tarmac-only route through to the event’s terminal destination at Port Lincoln, where a closing dinner was staged at Port Lincoln Racecourse.

An impromptu auction was conducted at the Port Lincoln dinner to raise funds for the RFDS with prizes donated by BMW Australia and generous GS Safari participants. The bidding was equally generous with some items selling for more than five times their actual worth; such was the generosity in the air towards the benefactors. The total sum raised through the auction was over $35,000.

While the 2011 GS Safari certainly had its more sombre notes, the enthusiasm and passion for motorcycling still shone throughout. All participants expressed their sorrow at the loss of a fellow rider in such tragic circumstances and Drive.com.au would like to add a sincere note of condolence to friends and family of the rider and best wishes to those who are now on the road to recovery following RFDS evacuation.

The Future

“The GS Safari is one of the most well-known and respected events on the motorcycle calendar. The GS Safari provides the Australian adventure motorcycling community with a highly professional event and we, like them, would like to see it continue.

“While all the appropriate safety precautions were taken, this sort of adventure riding has it’s inherit dangers and this appears to be a very unfortunate freak accident.”

Mr Sesto’s comments will be music to the ears of BMW enthusiasts, many of whom rode the final leg of the route with a black armband as a mark of respect to their fallen comrade.

GS Safari Background

BMW GS Safari is an Australian event catering to owners of BMW GS machines of all ages, including this year a 56-year-old grandmother who successfully completed the course, including all of the alternative ‘hard’ options on the course. The youngest participant was also female and completed the course alongside her father.

While the event is supported by BMW with logistical help and technical support on hand, riders are free to ride at their own pace and can depart each day’s start point at the time of their own choosing.

GS Safari runs for five days with overnight stops in various locations. This year the event started from Broken Hill with overnight stops at Blinman, Roxby Downs, Streaky Bay and the final destination of Port Lincoln. Riders then make their own way home unassisted, alternatively BMW offer logistical support to help return their machine to the city of their choosing.

BMW also conduct on-road events for their customers known as TS Safari.

RFDS

On any given day, the RFDS conducts around 100 aeromedical evacuations across Australia – as many as 15 every day in South Australia alone.

Nationally, the RFDS now operates a fleet of 61 medically-equipped aircraft – at a replacement cost from $6 million each – and relies on fundraising initiatives and donations from the community to finance the purchase of replacement aircraft and medical equipment.

SA Police advice for outback travel

Police would like to remind motorists and tourists the Simpson Desert and the far north of South Australia is a remote and an unforgiving place to unprepared travellers.

Recently a 45-year-old South Australian man nearly lost his life after he became fatigued and disorientated while riding a motorbike on route to Birdsville.

Had it not been for the efforts of locals, and Emergency Services the missing man may have died.

Visitors in the Simpson Desert are required to have a Desert Parks Pass that provides information about what to take and what to do in an emergency. These passes can be collected from National Parks and Wildlife Service on 1800 816 078.

Motorists should travel as a group, have appropriate communications between vehicles/bikes such as UHF radio, plus either HF or a satellite phone, and an EPIRB. (emergency positioning indicating radio beacon)

Travellers to remote areas should provide a communications travel plan with relative or friend that would include regular check-ins, vehicle details, who is travelling, and a detailed itinerary.

Travellers should carry vehicle spare parts including extra fuel, enough food and water for the trip, plus at least 3-4 days food and water supplies for emergencies.